The 2008 Hyundai Veracruz is a seven-passenger crossover that comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD). The sole engine is a 260-hp V6, the transmission a six-speed automatic with a semi-manual shifting feature called Shiftronic.
Veracruz GLS ($26,900) and GLS AWD ($28,600) come with a respectable quantity of standard features, starting with air conditioning with secondary rear-seat controls; cruise control; AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and three-month XM trial subscription; tilt-and telescope steering wheel with cruise and redundant audio controls; the common collection of powered accessories; and P245/65R17 tires on aluminum alloy wheels. Front buckets with fold-flat, passenger-side seatback; a 60/40-split flip-and-fold second row; and a 50/50-split, fold-into-floor third row comprise the seating arrangement. The GLS Premium Package ($1950) adds a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and backup warning system.
SE ($28,600) and SE AWD ($30,300) add the power driver's seat, auto-dimming inside and outside rearview mirrors, programmable HomeLink garage/gate remote, automatic headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, roof rack side rails, cooled front center console storage bin, fog lights, and P245/60R18 tires on 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Options for SE include the Premium and Leather Package ($4200), which adds the sunroof, a power liftgate, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, 115-volt power outlet, 315-watt Infinity audio system with CD changer, and backup warning system. The Entertainment Package ($5750) includes the Premium and Leather Package plus a rear-seat entertainment system with an eight-inch LCD monitor; a conversation mirror; and an upgrade to a 605-watt Infinity audio system with Logic 7 surround sound.
The Limited ($34,050) and Limited AWD ($35,750) make leather seating and heated front seats standard; plus dual-zone automatic climate control with auto-recirculation, the 325-watt Infinity audio system and conversation mirror, the sunroof, the power liftgate; and a windshield wiper de-icer. Added for 2008 are a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; power adjustable pedals; memory settings for the driver seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel; proximity key with immobilizer; rain-sensing wipers; 115-volt power outlet; and lighted door scuff plates. Options for Limited include a Rear-Seat Entertainment Package ($1500) and a Navigation Package ($1750); both include the 605-watt Logic 7 stereo, although the navigation system deletes the CD changer.
Dealer-installed accessories include roof rack cross rails ($205), a trailer hitch ($350), auxiliary audio jack ($95), first aid kit ($20), carpeted floor mats ($125), composite cargo tray ($100), sunroof wind deflector ($85), and wheel locks ($50).
Safety features include the mandated front airbags plus side-impact airbags for front-seat passengers (torso protection), full-cabin side curtain airbags (for head protection), three-point seatbelts and height-adjustable head restraints at all seating positions; active front seat head restraints; and child safety seat anchors and latches in the second-row seats. Wear those seatbelts because they are your first line of defense in an accident. Antilock brakes (which allow the driver to steer the car through panic stops) are standard and augmented by electronic brake-force distribution (which optimizes brake application front to rear) and brake assist (which quickens brake application in emergency stops). Standard, too, are an electronic stability control system (which helps the driver keep the vehicle from spinning out in turns or in emergency maneuvers) and traction control (which limits tire spin in slick conditions). A backup warning system that warns of unseen objects and assists when parking and maneuvering in tight places is optional and we strongly recommend it because it can help the driver avoid a tragic mishap.